Geneva State Rep. Hosts Blood Drive To Help 'Critical Shortage'

GENEVA, IL — Amid a "critical blood shortage" in Illinois, State Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) is hosting a blood drive in South Elgin Jan. 22.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the training room at the village's public works department, 1000 Bowes Road, people can stop in or make appointments to donate blood.

"Every blood donation matters and can help save multiple lives," Ugaste said in a statement. "This drive is an effort to start the new year out on the right foot and do what we can together to mitigate the shortage our state is experiencing."

Blood donated at the clinic, held in partnership with the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, will help local blood banks increase their supply, according to a Friday news release. Earlier this week, American Red Cross said it's facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade as a result of surging omicron cases, Patch reported.

"While some types of medical care can wait, others can't," Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross, said in a statement. "Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions."

RELATED: Red Cross Declares 'Blood Crisis'; Where To Donate In Glenview

To schedule an appointment at the upcoming drive, anyone interested can visit this link.